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Is there some rule I need to know about that precludes me from posting here?
I do have a degree in Environmental Chemistry though...so I do know a few things about chemicals. I stand behind my previous assertion.

Being for all organic is fine, but don't use your narrow point of view from allowing other people to make thier own decisions. If you're so pro-'mother nature" why don't get you behind eraticating european honey bees from North America?

My bees use chemicals on themselves every day. I think the chemical composition of one of them is H2O. To use chemicals with wild abandon is bad, but to try and ban all chemicals is impossible. There are many that are good, some even totally necessary.

"If you're so pro-'mother nature" why don't get you behind eraticating european honey bees from North America?"

Actually, I've pondered that very question for myself before! Does anyone know of or if any studies that have been done regarding the inter-relationships of honeybees with the native North American wildlife?

Wait.. I'm hijacking a thread. should I start a new one?

BTW, I like chemicals. I'm just not so sure about manufactured chemicals, or using chemicals in doses not found naturally... "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" describes my attitude toward agriculture and the use of chemicals in general. but I'm not necessarily opposed to their use.

I don't know enough to comment on that SS. It's an interesting question though.

As far as Chemicals go though, I'm mixed. Chemicals are a tool. You need to use the right tool for the right job. The trick is knowning what that is and then having people use them in the correct manner.

From what I can find online, the active ingredient is a plant hormone called kinetin. From what I find on Wikipedia, it seems to be used to promote cell-division. Also, "since 1996 it has been shown by several researchers that kinetin exists naturally in the DNA of almost all organisms tested so far, including human cells, and various plants."

Actually, it would seem it's mostly used in skin care cosmetics, for us human folk.

After some cursory searching, the only links I found online between honeybees and kinetin was in skin care (royal jelly and kinetin, etc)

i have actually used this on my tomatoes. no noticed effect on my hives. this does not mean there was no effect. in a different year with different pollen collection patterns, the results might be different. i dont worry about it, though. good luck,mike

"Wine is a constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy" Ben Franklin